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7 Things You Should Know Before Moving to NYC -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Mar 19, 2024 5 min read
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7 Things You Should Know Before Moving to NYC -



Every New Yorker will agree that this city is one of the best places to live in the world. The food, the people, and the overall atmosphere of the town, which never sleeps, truly make it perfect for anyone looking for a place to call home.

If you are moving to New York City, adjusting to the new ways of life may take some time, especially if you are moving in from a small town. You must first shortlist some of the best moving companies in NYC and hire the one that best fits your needs and budget. Along with hiring a moving company, there are various other things as well that you need to consider while moving to the city of your dreams:

1. Declutter Your Belonging

Before you move to New York, it is best to declutter your belongings by selling them or renting a storage facility. Apartments in New York are tiny, and if you are moving here from a smaller town, where houses are enormous and have several rooms, chances are you will only be able to fit some of your belongings in your NYC apartment. If you face such a situation, renting a storage facility from companies like Moisches is the best option.

Storage facilities help you declutter your belongings without getting rid of them permanently. Moreover, if you have a few belongings you no longer need, you can give them away or organize a garage sale to sell them before moving to NYC. Doing this will reduce the number of items you need to transport, thus reducing moving costs.

2. Learn About the Tax Laws of the City 

New York is one of the highest-taxing cities in the US. Its residents pay three types of income taxes: federal income tax, state income tax, and city income tax. Moreover, the sales tax in New York is also relatively high, at 8.875%.

Therefore, before you move to the city, ensure you know about these regulations and understand the tax implications to navigate the financial waters effectively. It is best to get help from a financial advisor for guidance on how this change will impact your budget. You can also get help and advice from friends living in NYC to understand the economic impact.

3. Set a Budget for Moving 

Setting a budget for moving helps you save money on your move. It provides a financial framework and prioritizes your expenses. It also helps allocate funds for essential moving costs such as hiring movers, purchasing packing materials, and other utilities. Additionally, having a budget allows you to spend your money wisely and stay within your financial means.

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4. Hire Professional Movers 

You may think you don’t need professional movers and can handle everything alone. But moving to a new city is more than just packing your belongings and arriving at your new place.

There is a misconception that hiring professional movers is more expensive. Hence, many resort to a DIY moving plan. However, hiring movers helps streamline the entire process and cut costs. DIY moving means you have to hire rental trucks and purchase moving supplies and equipment all by yourself, which is a big hassle when you are in the middle of moving to a big city. On the other hand, professional movers come equipped with rental trucks and moving suppliers, enabling you to cut costs on the moving process and save money in the long term.

5. Learn How to Use the Subway 

NYC is one of the rare cities in the US where you can quickly move from one place to another without a car—all thanks to the roust subway system.

Almost everyone in New York uses the subway to move from one place to another. Therefore, before you move to NY, familiarize yourself with the subway map to understand the routes and connections. Moreover, invest in a MetroCard for easy access to subway rides. You can also get an unlimited pass if you plan to use the subway frequently.

6. Keep all Your Moving Documents Ready

You will only need some documents while moving or immediately after arriving in NYC. However, it is best to keep them handy for your convenience. Important documents such as utility information, social security cards, marriage certificates, and passports should be kept safely and in a place where you can easily find and access them.

7. Have a Moving Checklist 

Finally, when it is the final day of the big move, have a checklist ready to ensure you are not leaving out anything important. Here are some of the essential things you must add to your checklist:

  • Ensure all the belongings are packed, and nothing is left behind in any room, drawer, or closet.
  • Take care of the utilities and ensure they are turned off from your end.
  • Unplug and disconnect any appliances you are not taking to ensure optimal safety.

Settling in the New City 

Adjusting to New York City may take some time, so be patient as you navigate the challenges of settling into a new city. After you arrive, get to know your immediate neighborhood surroundings, including the nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transportation options.

This shift can be financially draining, so carefully budget all your essentials. Look for ways to save money on food, entertainment, and transportation. Once you start feeling at home in this city, you can slowly get involved in local clubs, volunteer groups, and recreational activities to meet new people and embrace the diversity this place offers.

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.